“A politician thinks of the next election – a statesman, of the next generation.”

James Freeman Clarke, author

When was the last time you heard about a politician keeping a campaign promise? Obama, who pledged to bring transparency to Congress and to broadcast lawmakers’ negotiations on C-SPAN, did nothing when Congress held closed-door hearings on the healthcare bill.  Harry Reid, who promised to represent the interests of Nevadans if we sent him to Washington, seems to have completely forgotten what state he represents.

But, just when you thought campaign promises are totally worthless, along comes Governor Jim Gibbons, whose platform was based on not raising taxes.  Gibbons has actually kept his promise and stood his ground, despite the efforts of lawmakers, lobbyists, powerful unions and vested interests throughout the state.

Last spring, the Legislature presented Gibbons with a budget that included a 19 percent increase in Nevadans’ total tax burden, including a higher payroll tax, increased sales tax and a new tax on hotel rooms.  It would have been easy for him to give in and sign the budget – after all, Democrats controlled both houses of the state Legislature during the 2008-2009 session, and it was obvious they had the votes to override his veto.

Instead, here’s what he said:  “Raising taxes during an economic crisis is foolish and shortsighted.  I made a promise a long time ago that I intend to keep. No new taxes. The legislature has chosen to waste their time and your money creating a budget filled with a billion dollars in new taxes that will hurt every single person in this state.  I will now stand up for what I believe in and VETO these new taxes.”

As expected, the Legislature overrode the governor’s veto.  Does this mean Gibbons was foolish or politically naïve to veto the budget?  No – it means that he was upholding his principles and keeping his campaign promises.

Now it looks like the governor will have to call a special session of the Legislature to deal with the continuing budget crisis.  To his credit, Gibbons has been looking for creative ways to reduce expenses instead of raising taxes or borrowing money that future generations will have to repay.

In response to the growing budget shortfall, Gibbons has asked state agencies to present recommendations that cut their budgets up to 10 percent.  On January 6, he presented an 8-point plan to cut state spending, chiefly by making changes in the way the state funds K-12 education, which makes up 54 percent of the Nevada budget.  He also proposed repealing laws requiring local governments and school districts to enter into collective bargaining agreements with employees.  “Unions do nothing to help educate our children,” Gibbons said. “The unnecessary tax money expended for union negotiations and special benefits can be used in classrooms to help our children learn, not pay for union officials or promote costly and often hostile negotiations.”

Rory Reid, who is running for governor in 2010, commented, “I don’t think the governor has shown leadership” in making his proposals.  That couldn’t be farther from the truth.  Jim Gibbons pledged not to raise taxes, and he is determined to keep his promise, whether or not it is politically expedient.  He has gained endorsements from former State Sen. Bob Beers and former U.S. Rep. Barbara Vucanovich.  He deserves the support of the Nevada business community as well.  We need elected officials who act more like statesmen and less like politicians.